Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
July 17th, 2009 | by admin |
Prostate cancer is the second largest of all cancer related deaths in males; the only cancer that causes more deaths annually is lung cancer.
To stand a chance of combating the disease, it is important to have an early prostate cancer diagnosis. By having this early knowledge, the medical professionals have a better chance of containing the condition. They may be able to stop the cancerous cells from spreading to other parts of the body. At the same time, they will be working to eradicate the illness altogether.
Before testing or performing a prostate cancer diagnosis, a person needs to realize that there is a problem and then seek medical advice. Signs of the problem may initially come in the form of pains while urinating, having difficulty passing urine, passing blood in the urine, urinating more frequently or having difficulty gaining and maintaining a full erection.
Once a person has seen there is a problem and looked for more medical help, the medical professionals will have to perform tests to find out if the problem is prostate cancer or another condition, these test can be carried out in a number of ways.
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
The prostate is located at the point where the urethra leaves the bladder, and it also sits against the outer wall of the rectum about 5 centimeters inside the anus.
Because of the location of the prostate a good examination can be made through the rectum, this is done by a medical professional who will use a well lubricated glove to insert a digit (otherwise known as a finger), into the anus and feel the inner wall of the rectum. By doing this they can actually feel the rear of the prostate located on the other side. Although it is only the rear of the prostate that can be checked it has been reported that 85% of all prostate cancers originate from this part of the prostate.
If the medical professional feels any unusual lumps or bumps it means they may ask the person to have further tests.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
The prostate specific antigen test is a simple blood test, which is taken and tested for levels of the prostate specific antigen enzyme. By finding out the levels of PSA the medical professionals can see what the risk of cancer is. Below is a list of PSA levels and risks associated
PSA levels of 4 nanograms or less per milliliter is a positive indicator.
PSA levels above 4 nanograms per milliliter is a risk of prostate cancer.
PSA levels above 10 nanograms per milliliter extremely high risk of prostate cancer.
There are flaws with this test though because as a man grows older the levels of prostate specific antigens increase naturally, which is taken into account by the medical professionals, also a large proportion of men with high PSA levels do not have prostate cancer and likewise a proportion of men with prostate cancer have low PSA levels.
Confirming the prostate cancer diagnosis
If the medical professionals believe there is a chance of cancer they will request that you have a biopsy, where a small tissue sample from the prostate is taken. To take a biopsy of the prostate the medical professional will put a tiny needle gun in the anus and press it against the wall of the rectum where a hollow needle will pass through the wall of the rectum into the prostate and take a sample. This procedure is not very painful and is routinely done on an outpatient basis.
Verlyn Ross
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/prostate-cancer-diagnosis-92359.html
5 Responses to “Prostate Cancer Diagnosis”
By SICK MY DUCK! on Jul 17, 2009 | Reply
What are some preventative measures that an adolescent can engage in to avoid the diagnosis of prostate cancer
By karenmsarna on Jul 17, 2009 | Reply
Some good info here:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostate-cancer-prevention/MC00027
References :
By nremtp4me on Jul 17, 2009 | Reply
Honestly…Sex…yep that is right, studys have shown that having lots of sex reduces the risk of getting prostate cancer. However don’t be an idiot and go have unprotected sex though. Then you would just die at a young age of AIDs or something instead of prostate cancer.
References :
Paramedic, BS Emergency Medical Care
By supersaiyan4elby on Jul 17, 2009 | Reply
Well i would say obviously healthy diet and plenty of excersice. But…….they say th emore masturbation the better (thats a sex alternative dont want youung people having sex)
References :
By Panda on Jul 17, 2009 | Reply
Actually teenagers are more likely to have different types of cancer more related to their age than older people. In other words if you are looking out for prostate cancer as adolescent you might totally miss the signs of osteosarcoma on a shoulder or leg. Prostate cancer generally is a cancer of older men. Testicular cancer, however, is a real possibility for young males starting about the age of 15 years old.
The only ‘preventive measure’ an adolescent can take include learning which cancers you are more likely to get and paying attention to your body . . most of the time the only warning you will get is an odd lump or bump located anywhere in or on the body. Teens should see a doctor on a yearly basis and make sure to point out anything unusual.
Here are the most common adolescent cancers and the ones any teen should be looking out for:
Leukemia – blood
Lymphoma – lymph nodes
Osteosarcoma – bone
Ewings Sarcoma – bone
Brain Tumor – brain
Soft Tissue sarcoma – tendons, muscles
Germ Cell Tumor (Testicular or Ovarian Cancers)
Malignant Melanoma – skin
Perhaps one day the medical community will begin to educate adolescents and young adults about the types of cancer they are more likely to get. It is fairly unusual for teens to get lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, or prostate cancer . . . but those are the only cancers you ever hear about. Those are diseases, in general, of older people.
References :
Experience. Teen son diagnosed with stage IV abdominal sarcoma.